4,133 trees will come true in Messinia, Greece!

People from 106 countries participated in Costa Navarino Forest -the online tree planting game created in partnership with the Billion Tree Campaign, led by the United Nations Environment Programme.

28 November 2011. The tree planting eco-initiative launched by Aegean Airlines, a Star Alliance member, and Costa Navarino, the prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, concluded a few days ago, after gathering interest from around the world. As a result, 4,133 real endemic trees will be planted in Messinia, Greece and 5 lucky winners will have the chance to visit their own tree in the forest.

 

Aegean Airlines and Costa Navarino joined their forces in this initiative with the United Nations Environment Programme (www.unep.org/billiontreecampaign), in support of the Billion Tree Campaign, raising awareness globally while acting locally by planting these trees in Messinia, an unspoiled, yet accessible Greek region in southwest Peloponnese. So far, more than 11 billion trees have been planted under the Billion Tree Campaign by participants in 170 countries.

 

Costa Navarino Forest had more than 36,000 online participations, whereas 4,133 trees will come true in the forest. This initiative raised awareness in 106 countries around the world, such as France, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and Greece.

 

Participants were given the opportunity to learn about the region in an easy-going and entertaining way, as well as finding out interesting facts on tree-planting, preservation and forest regeneration. Following the virtual trees featured in the online game, now the 4,133 real endemic trees are to be planted at the foot of mount Taygetos, an integral part of Messinia’s natural beauty. The Forestry Department of Kalamata, Messinia, will provide the trees to be planted, whilst Aegean Airlines and Costa Navarino will provide the financial support needed for these trees to grow healthy and strong in this pristine and diverse environment.

 

The 1,000 tallest trees will carry the name of their owner and the 500 tallest among them have been entered into a ballot which was drawn on November 15^th. The five lucky winners have received a five-day trip for two people, including flights provided by Aegean Airlines and accommodation at The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino. During this trip, the winners will have the chance to visit their own trees at the Messinian forest!

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Notes to Editors:

About Aegean Airlines

Aegean Airlines, the largest Greek airline, carried 6.23 million passengers in 2010. Since June 30, 2010 it is a member of the strongest worldwide airline alliance, STAR ALLIANCE. AEGEAN has been named “Best Regional Airline Europe” at the SKYTRAX 2011 World Airline Awards and it is the runner-up in the “World’s Best Regional Airline” category, in “Airline Staff Service Excellence for Europe” category as well as in “Best Airline Southern Europe” category. In 2009, AEGEAN had also won the Skytrax Award for the “Best Regional Airline Europe”. In its 12 year history, Aegean has been awarded six times by the European Regions Airline Association (ERA). Furthermore, the company has been repeatedly awarded by the Athens International Airport as the greatest contributor to the airport’s passenger volume increase.

About Costa Navarino

Costa Navarino is the prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese. One of the most unspoiled and breathtaking seaside Mediterranean landscapes, this area has been shaped by 4,500 years of history. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote Messinia, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage. It will comprise a number of distinct sites featuring 5-star deluxe hotels, luxury residences, conference facilities, spa and thalassotherapy centers, signature golf courses, as well as a wide range of unique year-round activities for adults and children. Navarino Dunes, the first area, is home to two luxury 5-star hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort –awarded ‘Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotel: Europe, Asia Minor and the Russian Federation' at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards 2011- and The Westin Resort; The Dunes Course – the first signature golf course in Greece - Anazoe Spa, a 4,000sq.m. spa & thalassotherapy center; the state-of-the-art conference centre House of Events; specially designed facilities for children; as well as sports and outdoor activities.

www.costanavarino.com

 

About Billion Tree Campaign

The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign is a worldwide tree planting initiative facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme. It strongly encourages people, communities, businesses, industry, civil society organisations and governments to plant indigenous trees that are appropriate to the local environment and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity across the planet. Trees play a crucial role as fundamental components of the biodiversity as they help provide breathable air, drinkable water, fertile soils and a stable climate. Until March 2011, more than 11 billion trees had been planted under this campaign by participants in 170 countries.

www.unep.org/billiontreecampaign